Here we go CDL school (Journal)

Day 2: Got up at the butt crack of dawn to be the first in line at the DMV and take my tests. Took general, air brake, combination, tanker and hazmat. Passed all but hazmat. Probably try that again next week or something. Teacher B was really good. We covered section 2 of the CDL manual and spent the last 20 minutes checking out the trucks, sitting in them and shooting the breeze. Got a pic of me sitting in the truck but prob not wise to post it here.

 

Day 4: still half the class hasn’t gotten their permits yet. We finished the manual and are kind of in limbo just repeating stuff til they do. But those of us who got it start pre-tripping tomorrow.

Got my TWIC and background going this morning. Also passed my DTT and Hazmat endorsements today. So I have everything but passenger (no plans to get it). Happy days!

 

Day 5: Finished week one! Not a bad start. Body is adjusting to early mornings again, got my permit and all my endorsements, got the TWIC workin. Good progress.

Started pre-tripping today while the slow students keep studying general knowledge. I’m a quick study and when it comes to my livelihood I don’t screw around. I don’t get how anyone couldn’t pass the general knowledge, air brakes and combo after a week of study.

Also got some good advice from teacher not to keep my wallet in my pocket. It’ll give you a sore back!

I took a bunch of pictures of the various bits to look over at home just to really get the engine compartment and walk around down pat.

 

Day 6: Pretrip for an hour. After studying all weekend I think I could pass it now to be honest. After that 6 hours of straight backing in 3 different trucks. My leg is gonna be sore lol!

I did ok. I had two cone fatalities by the end of the day. The hardest part is “following” when the trailer is in line but the tractor is crooked, keeping the trailer going back straight while fixing the tractor.

Also listened to Epes recruiter for an hour, but didn’t get too much specific info, more just tips about researching companies and how to look up the DOT number for safety stats and whatnot.

All in all a good day!

 

Day 7: Pretrip first thing. Did straight backing again for a while with two to a truck taking turns. We had JR Schugel and Mcelroy recruiters in today. The usual spiel. Then another couple hours of straight backing. This time I got the freight liner to myself. Came back to classroom for an hour for general knowledge quizzing and company research on computer.

My left thigh is sore as hell. Also, I might just start going around the house all day saying “properly mounted and secured” every time I touch something.

 

We have two hunkajunka daycabs, I forget what they are. And a freight liner I wanna say 5 years old or so. Honestly been too busy trying to maneuver the darn things to really think about it. The pics are at the beginning of the thread.

 

Come to think of it, I think the big one is a pro star?

 

Day 8: Alley backing this morning. Offset after lunch. Also picked up my TWIC card today. Here is my 3rd try at alley backing.

 

One Volvo, one International, one Kenworth